Meet the Faculty: Ralph Proctor

Courses Currently Teaching

Understanding Violence in America
African American History 1

 

Other Courses Taught

History of the Pittsburgh Civil Rights Movement
Achieving Cultural Competence
African American History 2
African Art/Artifacts in the Cycle of Life

 

Most Memorable CCAC Experience

Being hired to create and write the curriculum for Ethnic & Diversity Studies and chairing the division.
Being asked by former CCAC President Dr. Stewart Sutin to create the Office of Institutional Diversity & Inclusion and serve as its first vice president.
Along with former Allegheny Campus President Dr. Elmer Haymon, proposing to the CCAC Board of Trustees that the college construct a new science building on Allegheny Campus named after the late Pennsylvania Speaker of the House, K. Leroy Irvis. Having the proposal accepted and working with many others, including board members, legislators and funders, to bring the project to fruition.

 

Why I Teach What I Teach

Many of the problems in the world are caused by racism, gender bias, religious intolerance, economic inequities and poverty, and bias against members of the LGBTQ+ community. We need a vehicle for understanding these horrible practices. The courses in Ethnic & Diversity Studies provide an opportunity to examine and discuss such issues in a nurturing and understanding environment. The program is taught by excellent professors who have dedicated their lives to equality.

 

Something People Might Not Know About Me

Despite a very public life, including participation in the Civil Rights Movement and following both Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, hosting four different television and radio programs, and years on the speaker circuit, I really am quite introverted and rather shy.

 

Favorite Quote

"The night would not seem so dark if we each lit but one candle." -Unknown
"First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out-because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out-because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out-because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me-and there was no one left to speak for me." -Martin Niemöller, German pastor and theologian.
"How appropriate this is today as we turn our backs on the evils of the world, including here at home." -Ralph Proctor